Anna is a relative latecomer to the recording world, having previously worked extensively in the theatre, particularly with the world-renowned Lindsay Kemp Company. A meeting with the hugely talented Martin Stephenson would change all that. Stephenson’s work is never less than engrossing and engaging, and with his encouragement and tutelage, Anna's talents as a songwriter grew, and she contributed to several of his acclaimed albums with The Daintees.
‘Roses For The Ride’ is Anna Lavigne’s second album, and can be seen very much as a companion piece to the first ‘Angels In Sandshoes’. Both exude a charm, a certain nostalgia, and a joie de vivre.
These are songs that are evocative of a certain place and time.
On ‘Yellowhammer Way’, the singular violin and gentle lapping keyboard bring us to a fondly remembered seaside scene. The French connection comes flooding in on the jazzy ‘French Honeysuckle Moon’ and learning from past mistakes in love. On ‘Nostalgie de la Boue’, we continue to learn from those mistakes and act upon them. ‘Lila’ is delivered cooly and relaxed, and is among the best tracks on this quality release.
Anna’s voice is a lovely instrument itself, at times with a hint of vulnerability; a combination which makes it beautifully suited to the quietly declaratory ‘Mindblown’ (complete with some terrific interlaced guitar from the aforementioned Stephenson), whilst on ‘This Time’, her vocals sound reminiscent of Neko Case. Surely no bad thing.
The last song, imaginatively entitled ‘Last Song’ condenses the work’s message of hope and the power of love into one message of four minutes:
Paths, confetti strewn and wild, indigo night children. Spirits bright awoke the day your laughter came to play. Feeling blessed to watch you grow. I hope you’ll always know true kindness, carefree fun. For where there’s love is home.
It’s an album full of charm and positive vibes and in these troubled times, it’s a message well worth listening to.